A study published on Tuesday by the Institute for Economic Research (IW) and the Max-Planck-Institute for Social Research (MPIfG) has highlighted significant disparities in early childhood education and care (ECEC) provision in Germany’s largest cities. The researchers used geographical data to examine the number of kindergartens (Kita) and the accessibility of these facilities, as well as whether they were located in areas with a high or low population of children. The study found that Heidelberg had the best ECEC provision, with an average of 61 children under the age of six per accessible Kita. Ulm came second with 71 children per Kita, while Frankfurt came third with 72 children per Kita. The study also found that there were significant differences in provision within cities, with wealthier neighborhoods having more Kita facilities than poorer neighborhoods. Publicly-funded Kita facilities were found to be equally prevalent in both areas, but privately-funded Kita facilities were more likely to be located in wealthier neighborhoods. The study’s authors called for increased investment in Kita provision in poorer neighborhoods and better regulation of private Kita providers, as well as support for parent-led initiatives in socially disadvantaged areas. They argued that the disparities in ECEC provision were particularly pronounced in West Germany, where the expansion of Kita facilities had not led to greater educational opportunities for all children. The study’s authors called for targeted investment in Kita provision in poorer neighborhoods to address the disparities in provision.
Wealthier Neighborhoods Benefit More in Germany
